Selling Your Home? Here’s What Not to Display in Your Home Office 22 Feb 2021, 4:37 pm

With more people working from home than ever, the home office has become a major selling point to many potential buyers—and if you want to attract those potential buyers, you need to frame your office in a way that’s going to appeal to them.

And that includes getting rid of things that won’t appeal to them.

A recent article from Apartment Therapy outlined the items real estate agents recommend not displaying in your home office if you’re preparing to sell, including:

• College degrees and other references to your alma mater. You may have nothing but happy memories about your university—but potential buyers might not feel the same way. For example, a potential buyer might have applied to your alma mater, only to be rejected—and seeing a diploma or a banner with the University logo in your home office could bring up those not-so-fond memories and take focus away from the property. Before you list your home, make sure to remove your diplomas and any other references to your alma mater from your home office.
• Disorganized cords, papers, or clutter. You may feel comfortable working in a slightly disorganized space—but potential buyers may not feel the same way. Make sure to bundle the cords for your computer, monitor, and other electronics and clear your desk of any loose paper or clutter before you show your home.
• Company swag. You might be tempted to keep your company swag (like a coffee mug or monitor sticker in your office)—but it’s best to keep where you work private. While it’s unlikely, if a deal goes south—and a potential buyer knows where you work—they could place a call into your company and say something disparaging to your employer.

The Takeaway:

Bottom line? When you’re selling your home, you want potential buyers to be able to picture themselves working comfortably from your home office—and that means removing personal effects and making sure things look organized.

2021 Housing Market Kicks Off With Fierce Competition—Making It A Great Time to Sell 15 Feb 2021, 2:54 pm

Between low interest, fierce competition, and rising home prices, 2020 was a challenge for buyers, but offered serious advantages to sellers—and it looks like that dynamic is continuing into 2021.

According to recent data from realtor.com, the number of homes for sale in the US in January 2021 dropped below 600,000—a whopping 43 percent decrease from January 2020 and the lowest number of homes for sale since realtor.com started collecting data in 2012. The median listing price was $346,000, up 15.4 percent year-over-year and the typical home sold, on average, in 76 days—10 days faster than this time last year.

The Takeaway:

So, what does this mean for you? It may be a new year, but markets across the country are still experiencing historically low inventory, which is continuing to drive up both competition and home prices—so if you’ve been thinking about selling your home, now is a great time to make a move.

Call us today at 614-361-8853 to help you!

9 Ways To Upgrade Your Home’s Style…Without Breaking The Bank 10 Mar 2020, 1:29 pm

So you’ve got a new house – congratulations! There’s just one problem…

It’s not quite your style. But with all the money you just dropped on closing and moving and new furniture, you don’t have a lot of cash to spruce it up.

Or, maybe you’re just about to sell your house and you wish you could spruce it up a bit before putting it on the market, but you don’t want to spend a ton.

Basically, you need a lot of look for not a lot of dough, right?

Don’t worry! These quick and usually DIY upgrades will make your home look and feel like a million bucks (for just a tiny chunk of change).

You can upgrade your home’s style with these easy projects.

1. Remove The 90’s Ducks

Maybe your home doesn’t have literal country blue ducks all over the kitchen, but if you have an older home, chances are good there’s some equally cheesy decor hanging around. Just taking out the cheesy badness of decades past — by removing the wallpaper or covering up the hokey paint — will make your home look and feel much fresher.

It’s got to go!

2. Get Rid of Grime

Take a close look at the surfaces that often get ignored. Places like the base molding and window sills often have a layer of grime that needs to be removed or even repainted. Get your elbow grease on and try a Magic Eraser on these surfaces. If that doesn’t work, fresh caulk and a new coat of bright white paint will go SO FAR to making your place look bright and clean again.

Get ready to scrub!

3. Paint!

A new coat of a light, neutral paint will make any room look and feel invigorated.

Not sure what to choose? Sherwin Williams Essential Gray works just about anywhere if you like neutrals. Not into grays? That’s ok. Sand Trap is a great neutral, and Alabaster is the perfect white-but-not-TOO-white.  Be careful with white, you must use other pieces to accent the area.  And white walls with white trim is a big no-no.

So fresh and so clean!

4. Highlight One Wall

If you’re already working with a neutral palette, you can add in some personality and pizazz. Add an accent wall in a fun spot like your breakfast nook or powder bath and really go all out.

You can use wall stickers or removable wallpaper for a low commitment look, or go simple and slap on the paint. Just this one simple addition will make you smile whenever you walk in the room.

How great is this!

5. Add Art

Adding art to your home is a great way to add style. But not just any art…

Add some large scale art that you LOVE.

What does large scale mean? Well, think of the biggest piece you have, and then find something bigger. If you LOVE it, it belongs on the wall, and a big piece will set the tone for an entire room. This doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either. You can get great pieces at Living Spaces or IKEA for around $100.

Want to spend a little more? Scroll around Instagram. You can find fantastic original art there AND you’ll be supporting small business owners. Win / Win.

Great accent to a room!

6. Change Out The Faucets

Now that we’ve fully addressed the walls, let’s turn our attention to other areas. Those “builder grade” faucets? They’ve got to go.

Luckily, replacing them is a pretty easy project AND you can get some much better looking alternatives at your local Home Depot. This super simple faucet is a huge upgrade… and it’s less than fifty bucks! Watch a couple of YouTube videos, break out the wrenches, and kiss those acrylic cheapies goodbye.

You can do this!

7. Swap Out Light Fixtures

Now we’re getting a little more technical. if you don’t have a ton of knowledge in this area, you might want to bring in a pro. Don’t worry, though. You can find an electrician who will give you a reasonable rate for this task, and if you’ve got a couple lights to replace, they can help you with all of them at once.

No matter who does the installation, you can find great looking lights to replace the brass builder basics. This alone will make a huge transformation in your space!

Simple. Architectural. What’s not to love?

8. Change Your Light Switches, Too.

While you’ve got the electrician there… (or if you’ve decided you can DIY), change out your switches and outlet covers.

There are so many options nowadays; there’s no reason to have yellowed, cracked switches. Also, the sky’s the limit on this. You can stick with simple new plates or you can add dimmer switches or switches with smart features.

These can be simple or complex!

9. While you at it replace the old gold Fans!

You have a great home and updates, but keep that 1980s fan hanging in the room.  Fans are great and can make a statement for an area.  You can spend a little or a lot for them, so shop around.  But for a few hundred dollars you can dramatically change a room.

This looks great!

Some or all of these changes can make HUGE difference in the appearance of your home and the resale value.  If you just moved in or are about to sell, these are all great ideas to do now.

Something You Should Know Before Looking At A New Construction Model Home 12 Nov 2018, 4:54 pm

Picture yourself out for a drive one weekend. You see a sign that says:

New Construction Homes!
Models Starting At $XXX,XXX
Next Right!

Maybe you’re actively looking for a house, or maybe it’s just a spur of the moment urge, but you follow the signs to the model home.

You park.

You walk into the model home.

The builder’s sales rep asks you to please sign in.

You sign in.

Ouch. You may have just made a costly mistake…

It’s Not Like I’m Buying One…

Most people don’t think twice about signing in when they visit a model home. They figure, what’s the harm? It isn’t like I’m signing something to actually buy one. I just want to take a look, and it’s not like they’re asking me to sign my life away.

But sometimes you do end up buying one.

You get the bug. You fall in love. You picture yourself in this lifestyle. Next thing you know, you’re making an offer on the spot.

Or, maybe you leave, but you can’t stop thinking about it the whole ride home so you decide you’re going to buy one.

Either way, if you decide to buy one, having signed in with the builder, you may have signed away your right to involve your own real estate agent represent and advise you.

Is A Real Estate Agent Even Necessary?!

Some people question whether it’s even necessary to have their own real estate agent involved in the purchase. They feel like they’re an unnecessary middleman. After all, the builder has a sales rep. They feel like they “found” the house, not a real estate agent. The builder or their representative can handle the paperwork. And, ideally, not having an agent will perhaps give them some leverage to negotiate.

Others just don’t even think to bring their real estate agent with them or didn’t want to “bug” them to go see a house they could easily get in to see. They just stop in on a whim, and once the ball gets rolling, they feel like they can’t involve their agent, or they might even be “encouraged” by the builder not to. And they figure, what’s the big deal… the builder or their rep can handle everything.

And some people feel like real estate agents just want to latch onto the deal to make a commission, while doing very little, since the builder and / or their rep can handle the paperwork and process.

It’s More Than Just “Finding” And Pushing Papers…

Sure, a buyer can “find” a new construction house on their own. And a builder or their sales rep can certainly handle the paperwork.

But the value of having a real estate agent on your side isn’t just about “finding” you a house (new construction or not), or filling in a few blanks on a contract and pushing the papers through the process. It’s about their knowledge, advice, and representation.

Okay, some agents out there may just want to get a few papers signed and wait for closing day to get a commission check. And, yes, you’re probably better off not involving an agent like that in the purchase of new construction.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t find and have an agent who truly understands new construction (and real estate overall) on your side.

A good agent can help you:

• Avoid costly mistakes
• Get everything you can and should get from the builder
• Advise you as to whether buying a particular home is the best or right choice for you
• Offer alternatives you may not have otherwise considered
• Help you choose the best lot and model in a development for your own enjoyment and future resale value
• Keep the builder and building process in check
• Advocate for you when issues arise with the builder

Things To Know And Look Out For

There are quite a few things to know and look out for when buying new construction — more than I can cover in a brief article. So, if you have questions, give us a call today – Mike and Lorie Strange 614-361-8853.  Let us tell you why you need us as your realtor on a new build!

7 Scary Things Real Estate Agents Fear Hearing 12 Oct 2018, 4:31 pm

When you’re in the business of helping people buy and sell homes — arguably the largest investment of their lives — it goes without saying that there’s a lot at stake. While real estate agents are typically unflappable pros who, in many cases, have experienced just about every scenario you can imagine, there are still some things that strike fear into their hearts.

In the spirit of Halloween, let’s take a look at some of the most terrifying statements clients make that leave agents trembling.

1. “We’re having second thoughts…”

Of course, it’s not uncommon to have a home buyer or seller get cold feet or have pre-purchase or pre-sale jitters, but after investing plenty of time and effort in a potential sale, the thought of a deal falling apart can be horrifying for any agent. Talking skittish clients through their anxieties, both real or embellished, is often part of the job, but that doesn’t make it any less scary.

2. “My parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins would like to see the place…”

It can be tough enough to get a single client or a couple to agree on a property they love and want to buy. Once clients decide to invite their extended family to sneak a peek, they — and their agent — are bound to get more questions and opinions than anyone’s prepared to handle. Taking a large group on a home tour can end up being an agent’s personal horror show.

3. “I’m going to stick around for the open house in case buyers have any questions…”

Having the seller on the premises makes it challenging and sometimes awkward for prospective buyers to speak freely and get all of their questions answered. Agents know how to get the home sold, which is why sellers hire them in the first place. Even if the property owner thinks he or she is being helpful by sticking around, chances are this notion leaves agents shaking in their shoes.

4. “I lost my job…”

Unless a buyer is prepared to pay in cash, sudden unemployment can wreak havoc on a home purchase. When borrowers apply for a loan, they’re required to disclose their employment status and provide pay stubs, typically for the last 30 days. Without reliable income, the ability to secure that loan can disappear faster than balloons from an open house sign.

5. “I just bought a brand new car!”

Similar to the above scenario, making one big purchase before making another larger purchase can, and most likely will, change your debt to credit ratio. If you can hold off on any substantial expenditures until after your closing, your agent will sleep better at night.

6. “Our pet snake got loose this morning. But we’ll find him before the open house starts!”

From staging to marketing, preparing for an open house is already a daunting endeavor. The thought of pets potentially sending would-be buyers running back to their cars is terrifying. Even if a client’s pet boa constrictor is securely corralled, having animals at a showing can be a frightful faux pas.

7. “There’s something I haven’t told you…”

Got a leak? Termites nibbling away at the foundation? A lien against the property you’re hoping no one will ever find out about? Think again. Your agent needs to know everything up front. Secrets (or “surprises,” as clients like to call them) can freak out even the most poised agent — because if someone’s not disclosing one thing, it’s a safe bet there are other shockers that’ll make themselves known at the worst possible time.

Call Mike and Lorie Strange today and let us help guide you through the “SCARY” situations!  614-361-8853.

7 Signs That You’ve Picked the Right Real Estate Agent 1 Oct 2018, 2:25 pm

Buying or selling a home can be a complicated and stressful experience. There can be a lot of moving parts involved that may come as a surprise to people who have never been through the process before. This is why having a great real estate agent is critical.

Picking the right agent isn’t always easy, but you’ll definitely know if you’ve picked the right one for you. Here are seven signs that you’ve made a great decision in picking your real estate agent:

1. You like being around them

You don’t have to be head over heels in love with your real estate agent, but you need to at least enjoy being around him or her. You will spend a lot of time communicating with your agent, so the relationship needs to be a good one to help make the experience as painless as possible. There’s nothing worse than dealing with a person who you don’t like being around, especially if the going gets rough. If you don’t cringe at the sound of your agent’s voice then you might have found the right one.

2. They’re responsive and available

This point is non-negotiable. A good real estate agent will make themselves available to you and won’t leave you hanging when you’re waiting for a response. If your agent is leaving you feeling like a spurned date, they’re doing something wrong. The right agent understands how important and serious a real estate transaction is, and will always make sure to make your needs a priority.

3. They’ve asked you to get pre-approved

If you’re a buyer and you haven’t spoken with a mortgage professional before going out and looking at houses, a good real estate agent will ask you to. It might be frustrating if you don’t understand the reasons why, but a good agent knows that it’s for your own benefit just as much as theirs. There are a number of important things you might find out by going through the pre-approval process, many of which you should know before spending any of your time searching for a home. A good agent knows this, and wants you to know as well.

4. They’re proactive and not just reactive

This is one indicator that will set the right agent apart from everyone else. The right agent will not just go through the motions and take orders, they will be proactive in helping you identify and find the right solutions. For instance, instead of just sitting back and waiting for you to send properties you might have come across, a great agent is always on the hunt for the ideal property for you, and will communicate and suggest things that you might never have considered before. Being proactive is a mark of a true real estate professional.

5. They’re honest with you, even when it hurts

Just like honesty is important in a romantic relationship, so is honesty in a real estate relationship. The right agent will tell you the truth when you need to hear it, even if it’s inconvenient for them. It takes a lot of guts to be honest with someone when it might cost you money, but it’s also an ethical imperative, and a great agent will always put their own character, honesty, and integrity ahead of making a buck. And if they have to tell you the harsh truth that what you’re looking for is impossible, the right agent will do that too.

6. They don’t give up easily

A real estate transaction rarely goes off without a hitch these days, and sometimes it feels like the universe is conspiring to keep you from buying or selling a home. But it’s much easier to throw your hands in the air and say “I give up,” or “Someone else can figure this out,” than it is to buckle down and come up with a solution. The right agent doesn’t give up, and will uncover a way to keep things moving, even it takes some creativity. The right agent fights for you, and doesn’t throw in the towel after getting jabbed.

7. They want to build a relationship

One of the best signs that you’ve picked the right agent actually occurs either before or after you work with them on a deal. Even though real estate is transactional, the best agents look to build a relationship with their clients instead of just working with them on a deal and then disappearing. If your agent stays in touch, presents themselves as a constant resource, and is in it with you for the long-haul, then you’ve definitely found the right one for you.

We want to be those agents for you.  Call Mike and Lorie Strange today at 614-361-8853 to help you get started in listing/buying your home!

Selling Your Home? Here’s One Aroma That Will Help You Sell It 24 Sep 2018, 1:37 pm

True or false…

When you’re selling a house, you should bake cookies before a showing or an open house.

I guess you could say the answer is a hard and fast “true” because, after all, it can’t hurt. Who doesn’t like the smell of freshly baked cookies?

But it’s also kind of false…

It isn’t like you can Betty Crocker your way to a sale, let alone at the highest price possible. Your entire house still needs to be appealing. A batch of cookies isn’t going to hide bad odors enough or divert people’s attention from a messy house that needs repairs.

If only it were that simple…

Picture (and smell) this — a buyer shows up to a house and the homeowner has:

• Two dogs laying on the sofa (wet from being in the rain).
• Five cats roaming around. They share one unclean litter box and use every piece of furniture as scratching posts.
• A well-used ashtray in each room.
• A teenage son who has a pile of gym clothes under his bed.
• A freshly-baked batch of cookies on the table with a sign that says “Enjoy a warm cookie while enjoying our house!”

Think the buyer’s gonna want to grab a cookie, let alone buy the house? Nope. There’s more of a chance their son will figure out how to do his own laundry.

You’d think that’s far-fetched, but we real estate agents and our buyers actually walk into houses not too far from this reality.

The one smell that does sell…

Cookies won’t cut it. Nor will a cookie-scented candle. (Or any other candle scent for that matter.)

Pro tip: Some candles can actually turn a buyer off. Even if someone likes the smell of a particular candle, it may trigger curiosity about what the owner is trying to hide.

However, there is one smell that will help your house sell…

It’s called “clean.” But you can’t get it in a store, online, or from a late night TV infomercial. You can get the products that’ll get your house smelling clean from any of those places… but there’s no substitute for a good, thorough cleaning to create an aroma that will appeal to any and all buyers.

Whether you do it on your own, or hire a professional cleaning service, giving your house a good deep cleaning before (and while) your house is on the market is one of the most important things you can do.

That doesn’t mean it should smell like ammonia or “Spring Breeze” cleaning solution. It should smell like nothing, actually. Or at as close to it as possible.

Obviously there’s more to it than that…

A clean (and clean smelling) house is a good start, but there’s more to think about when preparing your house for sale.

Lots of homeowners do very little to prepare their house for sale, yet they expect their house sell quickly and for top dollar.

On the other hand, some homeowners go bonkers and do way more than they have to, or even should, to prepare their house for sale. These folks end up spending more time or money than they’ll receive in return.

The bottom line:

There’s a fine line between not preparing your house enough… and preparing your house too much. Call US today on advice on preparing your house just the right amount.

7 Pricing Myths You Need to Get Past If You Want to Sell Your Home 2 Jul 2018, 3:07 pm

When homeowners are preparing to put their properties on the market, one aspect is usually foremost in their minds: money. Setting the asking price accurately can mean the difference between getting an offer quickly and having a house languish for months, drawing little interest.

With that in mind, it’s important that potential sellers block out a lot of the noise that often surrounds the intricate art and science of pricing. There are plenty of myths that may cause sellers to lose sleep at night as they attempt to separate fact from fiction.

The following are statements that can stand in the way of a successful sale.

1. ‘If we keep waiting, a better offer will come along!’

via GIPHY

When sellers receive an offer from the first showing, they may be skeptical or hesitant to accept it, wondering if other prospective buyers would be inclined to pay more. Thoughts of potential bidding wars could cause sellers to want to wait and see who else falls for their place. But, remember the old adage, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush?” There’s no guarantee other would-be buyers are waiting around the corner. If the offer is a fair one, entertain it and count your blessings.

2. ‘Getting an offer right away, means the agent priced it too low!’

via GIPHY

When sellers receive an offer early in the process, as excited as they might be, many can’t help but wonder, “Should we have asked for more money? Did our agent price it too cheaply?” While it’s natural to be skeptical (and even a little greedy), receiving an offer on the early end of the spectrum most likely means your home was priced accurately and attractively. If you trust your agent, you know he or she didn’t pick a number out of the sky, but rather based it on extensive market research. So, be glad your sale is moving in the right direction.

3. ‘We should price it so there’s room to negotiate!’

via GIPHY

Let’s be honest: Most sellers would love to get top dollar for their homes. But overpricing it with the intention of being willing to accept a lower offer may just leave you empty handed in the long run. Plus, if you have to drop your ask multiple times, buyers may begin to wonder what’s wrong with the place — other than the price, that is.

4. ‘That’s not what my Zestimate says it’s worth!’

via GIPHY

Have you ever noticed how homeowners are eager to believe Zestimates or other automated valuation models when that price exceeds their expectations? Yet, when the opposite happens, they assume it’s outdated or erroneous information? The point we’re making is, these numbers can be inaccurate, so again, trust your agent over the Internet. Enough said.

5. ‘We can add all renovation costs to the asking price!’

via GIPHY

Sellers may adore the improvements and renovations they’ve made and want to add in those costs to the asking price. But remember, not every change is going to land a huge return on investment. If you’re curious about what you can expect on those fixes, check out Remodeling Magazine‘s annual ‘Cost Versus Value’ report to get an idea of which upgrades yield the biggest bang for your buck. Also, as you’re making changes, bear in mind that the infinity pool you view as an asset may just seem like a huge liability to a buyer.

6. ‘My Realtor® overpriced my house to make a larger commission.’

via GIPHY

Agents are paid a percentage of the selling price of the home. However, even if they were to raise the ask by $25,000, in most cases that would yield an additional $1,500 in commission, which would then be divvied up between the broker the agent is working for and the buyer’s agent, leaving your agent with less than $750 more in his or her pocket. It’s hard to imagine an agent would blow a potential quick sale — and take on weeks or months of additional showings and marketing expenses — for a few hundred dollars.

7. ‘Reducing the price is a sign of weakness!’

via GIPHY

While no homeowner is eager to drop the listing price, if time is passing and there’s been little interest, it could be time to consider lowering the ask. Remember, time is money. While you’re waiting for someone to meet your price, you’re still paying the mortgage, taxes, utilities, and insurance etc. Plus, sometimes, lowering the price can put your home in front of a group of new buyers, which could generate a lot more interest and, ultimately, get the price back up closer to where it was in the first place.

7 Things That Can Go Wrong If You Hire The Wrong Real Estate Agent 20 Jun 2018, 9:00 am

Buying a home is the biggest investment you’ll likely ever make, and it has all sorts of implications for your personal and financial future. This is why it’s so important to work with the right agent.

Too many people don’t realize just how much can go wrong if they make the wrong hire. There are some very serious problems that can arise if you accidentally work with the wrong person to buy or sell a home. Here are some of them:

1. Not listening

A professional real estate agent (or any other professional for that matter) will take the time to listen and understand their client and the client’s needs. The wrong one, however, isn’t going to listen to what you have to say, and will instead focus on what they want for themselves.

This will set the precedent for the rest of the process and make any real estate transaction a miserable experience. An agent who doesn’t take the time to know your wants and needs will cause you stress, confusion and heartache.

2. Bad advice

If there’s one thing you need a competent agent for, it’s the advice they’re able to provide. A good agent will serve as your trusted advisor, guiding you through the myriad of decisions you’ll make when buying or selling a home.

A bad agent, however, will either give you advice that’s not based on any experience or research, or is just plain self-serving. This can cost you financially or prevent you from accomplishing your goals altogether.

3. Failed negotiations

Lots of people consider themselves good negotiators, but very few actually are. While negotiating might be just one part of real estate, it’s an important one. You need someone on your side who’s working in your best interests in a competent and effective way.

A bad agent will either negotiate in such a way that attainable deals fall through, or will simply negotiate in their own best-interests rather than the interest of their clients (you).

4. Lack of responsiveness

This may or may not be one of your pet-peeves, but unresponsiveness in something as complex as a real estate transaction can be an absolute nightmare for the person whose money, home, and future are on the line.

A great agent is available most any time you need them (within reason). The wrong one, however, will let your calls, messages, and emails go unanswered while you worry yourself sick about what’s happening (or not happening).

5. Missed opportunities

Real estate is a business that moves quickly, especially when the market is hot. Even when there’s high demand, there are still opportunities for buyers, and a good agent will know how to spot them and take advantage quickly.

The wrong agent will miss good opportunities because they’re unable to recognize them, will move too slowly and miss them, or just generally not care.

6. Legal pitfalls

Real estate is complex by nature, and legal questions arise on a frequent basis. Thankfully, good agents have the knowledge and resourcefulness to help you navigate them and can find solutions even if they’re not immediately apparent.

Hiring the wrong agent will mean that when the inevitable problems creep up during the transaction, they’ll either give you the wrong advice on what to do, or will simply look at you and shrug their shoulders.

7. The process won’t be enjoyable

There’s no rule that says a real estate transaction has to unpleasant. Yes, it’s a lengthy process that has lots of implications. But if you take a step back and think about it, buying or selling a home is usually a positive thing—whether it’s an upgrade, a money-saving downgrade, or a general lifestyle change. You should work with someone who can at least make it a pleasant experience.

And that’s the thing about hiring the wrong agent. They’re all but guaranteed to make the process one that you won’t enjoy.

So choose your next real estate agent wisely; your happiness—and the height of your high five when it’s over—will likely depend on it.

via GIPHY

May 2018 Was The Hottest Home Buying Season In History 12 Jun 2018, 6:23 pm

Homes have been flying off the market across the country—oftentimes for above asking price—for quite some time now, with many real estate agents and experts saying it’s been unlike anything they’ve ever seen.

Turns out, they were right.

A recent article from Realtor.com confirms that May 2018 was the hottest home buying month in history. According to the article, homes are spending 32 days less on the market than they were six years ago. Also, 39 of the top 50 markets across the country saw their lowest days on the market since 2012 (when Realtor.com started tracking pace of sales data).

Not only are homes flying off the market, but they’re selling for higher than ever before; the median listing price in May was $297,000—an increase of 8% over last spring.

The Takeaway

If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, NOW is the time to make a move. Not only is it highly likely your property will move quickly, but it’s also likely you’ll fetch a higher price in the process.